2018 Buick Cascada Sport Touring
People prefer convertibles to have more fun but there are very few choices in this class, Cascada was introduced in 2016 and from last two years not many changes has been done to this vehicle but still it is very light and very sporty car with nice feeling. This is relaxing, nice priced vehicle for cruising and fun to drive but it is not for drag racing.
Design Dynamics of Cascada:
There are not many rivals of Cascada but this didn’t make it a low quality and less competitive vehicle, it is nicely futuristic designed vehicle that is beautiful, attractive and mesmerizing from all the ends.
Exterior Dynamics:
Cascada is available in three different trims including base, premium and sport touring trim, there is no difference in base and premium trims design but sport trim has dark effects package including black out grille, wheels and mirrors. Every model has standard HID headlights with auto leveling and articulating while the fog lamps are not available on base trim. Â Top of the cascada folds and covers in 17 seconds and can be operated at the speed to 31 mph, in the four seated entry level luxury convertible this is the only choice. From the front to the rear it has futuristic sleek design that increases its road presence and value.
Interior Dynamics:
Interior of cascada is a great place to spend time; it has quality, comfort and most importantly many features for the entertainment. It has high quality nice stitched material on dashboard, door panels and wrapped around the steering wheel that gives very luxurious feeling. Infotainment console looks so good but has lot of buttons those makes it little complex as well with this big console having small infotainment screen no match and feels weird. Infotainment has old software system and the graphics are not as good as in new cars as well the touch response is slow.
Engine and Power:
There is only one engine available in all the trims which is 1.6 liter four cylinder turbo charged engine that produces 200 horse power with 280nm@4500rpm of torque. Top speed of vehicle is 120 mph while it takes 8.3 seconds to accelerate 0-60 miles per hour. Small turbo charged engine gives better fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon within city and 29 miles per gallon on highway.
Comfort and Safety:
This is a convertible that’s why there is no issue related to visibility; with or without the cover interior of the car is so much roomy and spacious. It has seating capacity of four persons and all the seats are comfortable but on the rear side there is issue for the leg room that is not enough for 5.10 feet or above heighted. All the seats have nice stitched leather while the front seats have 3 stage heating option which is standard on all the trims, front seats also have ten way power adjusting with four way power lumbar support. Dual zone climate control also standard on all the trims but there are no separate air vents for rear seat passengers.
Safety:
In the safety cascada scored five out of five in government test NHTSA but no ratings are available for IIHS yet. Blind spot monitoring is not available in cascada while the forward collision warning, lane departure warning and parking assist is available on premium and sport trim only.
Conclusion:
It is luxurious, comfortable, spacious and a nice choice in this price;
Pros:
- Spacious cabin
- High quality material
- Heated seats and steering wheel standard on all trims
- Price competitive
- Decent cargo space
Cons:
- Old styled infotainment with low resolution graphic and slow touch response
- Less leg room & no air vents for rear seats
- No paddle shifters
- One engine option